(Honolulu, Hawaii) – Hawaii Independent Party (HIP) gubernatorial candidate Mufi Hannemann today secured a solid high-profile endorsement. Alan M. Arakawa, Mayor of the County of Maui, announced that he is giving full support to Hannemann in the 2014 governor’s race. Arakawa said the former Honolulu Mayor’s impeccable leadership is critical to the progress of the state of Hawaii.

“I know in my heart of hearts that Mufi Hannemann is the best administrator. He is very trustworthy and can be depended upon to do what he says he is going to do. We are at a time in history where the State of Hawaii has a dire need to be able to upgrade many things within its system,” said Arakawa, who has known Hannemann for more than three decades and worked very closely with him through the Hawaii Council of Mayors. “There are deficits virtually in every department in the state. When you talk to the personnel, they tell you about lack of support in equipment, manpower and antiquated policies. Mufi, as a former Mayor understands what it takes at the ground level. He has served several governors, and he has the executive experience to address these deficits. Mufi is very smart and a man of his word who truly cares about the people of Hawaii,” said Arakawa.

“I am very humbled and pleased to receive Alan Arakawa’s endorsement. He has proven to be the quintessential mayor who can work in a bipartisan fashion and bridge the gaps between party divides,” said Hannemann. “Having worked with Mayor Arakawa over the past several years, I admire the fact that he is knowledgeable, experienced visionary, and has a reputation of getting the job done.”

If elected in November, Hannemann announced that one of his goals is the creation of the Hawaii Council of Leaders (HCL) made up of the Governor and the four county mayors. He pioneered the formation of the Hawaii Council of Mayors back in 2005 when he was first elected mayor of Honolulu, which continues to operate strongly today. “The Hawaii Council of Mayors is proof positive that when all four county chiefs are working together, four heads are better than one. With the proposed HCL, the mantra will be five heads—with the governor included—will also be better than one.”

The HIP candidate said the leadership body will work toward accomplishing two goals: 1) strengthen government collaboration and cooperation at the executive level amongst state and country jurisdictions, and 2) encourage streamlining across the board and efficiencies within a collaborative planning strategy. Top priority will be given to issues dealing with homelessness, the state hospitals, transportation like the inter island ferry service, revenue administration, such as the TAT, public safety, and collective bargaining. Hannemann explained that, “If the state does well, the counties prosper. If the counties are strengthened, the state will benefit, and ultimately, the people whom we serve win.”

Present today were President Tenari Ma’afala and Vice President Malcolm Lutu of the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers (SHOPO), who also endorsed Arakawa in his bid for re-election on Maui. One week ago, Hannemann received dual endorsements by SHOPO and the Hawaii Sheet Metal Worker’s Union, Local 293, at the same location.

One thought on “Mufi Hannemann endorsed by Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa”

Michelle Del Rosario said:June 14, 2014 at 4:50 pm

As a Maui girl, I am pleased to see Mayor Alan Arakawa step forward and be the first Mayor in Hawaii to endorse Mufi Hannemann for Governor. HANNEMANN/CHANG offers us a tried and true team who has worked together for six years in benefit of the City and County of Honolulu. Help us bring their talents and leadership to the Governor’s/Lt. Governor’s offices with a strong track record of execution and accomplishment of projects and initiatives.